Rep. Mike Quigley

Default Proceed Sale Transparency Act This bill establishes new requirements in the case of a firearm transfer by a federally licensed dealer, manufacturer, or importer to an unlicensed person prior to the completion of a background check. Current law permits these transactions—default-proceed transactions—if a submitted background check remains incomplete after three business days. With respect to a default-proceed transaction, the bill requires a federally licensed dealer, manufacturer, or importer to report the transfer to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) within 24 hours; requires the instant criminal background check system (NICS) to prioritize completing the background check related to the transfer; and requires the NICS to retain records related to a proposed or completed firearm transfer until the background check is complete. Finally, the bill requires the FBI to report publicly on data related to default-proceed transactions. Further, it requires the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to report publicly on data related to the firearms transferred in default-proceed transactions.

Maddy summaryHR 765, the African American History Act, authorizes $2 million annually for the National Museum of African American History and Culture to develop educational resources and programs about African American history. The bill directs the museum to create accessible teaching materials, support teacher professional development, and expand digital content for schools and the public, focusing on contributions, civil rights, and historical contexts. It requires annual reports to Congress and expires in 2028. The program directly supports educators, students, and families in learning about African American history through museums, schools, and online platforms.

Maddy summaryHR 715, the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2023, requires background checks for all firearm transfers between private individuals, not just those through licensed dealers. It mandates that unlicensed sellers must involve a licensed dealer to conduct a background check before transferring a firearm, with exceptions for family transfers (like spouses or parents/children), law enforcement, temporary safety transfers, and certain hunting or range activities. The bill also requires licensed dealers to provide a notice and certification form in both English and Spanish to buyers. It explicitly states it won't create a national gun registry or override state laws on the same topic. The law would take effect 180 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHR 709, the Muhammad Ali Congressional Gold Medal Act, authorizes Congress to award Muhammad Ali a gold medal in recognition of his life and achievements. The bill directs the Secretary of the Treasury to strike a gold medal for presentation by congressional leaders, which will then be given to Ali's widow, Lonnie Ali. Duplicate bronze medals may be sold to cover production costs, with proceeds deposited into the U.S. Mint fund. This is a commemorative measure, not a policy change affecting laws or programs.

Choosing Our Own Lives Over Fast Firearms Act or the COOL OFF Act This bill establishes a three-day waiting period for certain handgun transfers. Specifically, the bill makes it unlawful for a licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer to sell or transfer a handgun to an unlicensed individual unless three business days have elapsed since the licensee initiated a background check. A violator is subject to criminal penalties—a fine, up to one year in prison, or both. Additionally, the bill makes it unlawful for an unlicensed individual to receive a handgun from another unlicensed individual unless at least three business days have elapsed since the recipient most recently offered to take possession of the handgun. A violator is subject to criminal penalties—a fine, up to five years in prison, or both. The three-day waiting period does not apply to certain handgun transfers, such as for a loan between spouses for a lawful purpose.

Maddy summaryHR 660, "Ethan's Law," requires gun owners in homes where minors (under 18) or individuals prohibited from owning firearms under federal/state law reside to store firearms securely. It makes unsecured storage unlawful if a minor or prohibited person could access the firearm, with fines of $500 per violation and enhanced penalties (up to 5 years in prison) if injury or death occurs. The bill also establishes a federal grant program to help states implement similar secure storage laws and provides funding incentives for states that already have such laws in place.

Maddy summaryHR 666, the Access to Counsel Act, requires U.S. immigration officers to provide certain travelers a meaningful opportunity to consult with legal counsel within one hour of starting secondary inspection at ports of entry. It directly affects travelers including U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents returning from abroad, visa holders, refugees, and parolees seeking entry. Key provisions mandate phone access to counsel, allow advocates to present evidence to officers, and require in-person meetings when possible. Lawful permanent residents cannot abandon their status without first consulting a lawyer unless they waive this right in writing. The bill takes effect 180 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the possession, sale, or transfer of most large-capacity ammunition magazines (holding more than 15 rounds) for the general public, while exempting law enforcement officers (including campus security officers), retired officers, and certain licensed entities like nuclear facility security. It requires new magazines manufactured after enactment to have serial numbers and manufacturing dates, and allows federal grant funds to support buy-back programs for these devices. Existing owners of such magazines lawfully possessed before the law's enactment are exempt from the prohibition. The law applies to devices not already covered under current exemptions for law enforcement, nuclear security, and retired officers.

Maddy summaryThe HEAL Act (HR 603) requires the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum Director to study how public elementary and secondary schools teach about the Holocaust and related antisemitism. The study will examine curriculum requirements, teaching methods (like project-based learning), instructional materials, and assessment approaches across states and school districts. It specifically analyzes whether Holocaust education is mandatory, optional, or integrated across subjects, and how schools address antisemitism and genocide prevention. The resulting report, due within 180 days of the study or three years after enactment, will inform Congress but does not change current school policies. This is a data-gathering measure, not a policy mandate.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all ammunition sales to occur in person with identity verification, banning online or mail-order purchases for unlicensed individuals. It adds new licensing requirements for ammunition dealers and modifies existing firearm laws to explicitly include ammunition in sales, shipping, and recordkeeping rules. Licensees must report bulk sales of over 1,000 rounds to unlicensed buyers within one business day. The law directly affects ammunition sellers (both licensed and unlicensed) and buyers, making online ammunition transactions impossible without in-person verification.